Proposed Identification of Asbestos as a Toxic Air Contaminant(Regulatory).

RECOMMENDATION

The ARB staff recommends that asbestos (in the following forms:chrysotile, actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, andtremolite) be identified as a toxic air contaminant for whichthere is not sufficient available scientific evidence to supportthe identification of an exposure level below which carcinogeniceffects would not occur.

DISCUSSION

In accordance with the provisions of Health and Safety CodeSection 39650 et seq., the ARB staff, after consulting theDepartment of Health Services (DHS) selected asbestos for theBoard's consideration for listing as a toxic air contaminant. The staff selected asbestos because it has been identified by theInternational Agency for Research on Cancer as a humancarcinogen, it is emitted from many sources in the state, and itspresence in the ambient air is documented. Asbestos has alsobeen listed as a hazardous air pollutant by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Health and Safety CodeSection 39655 specifies that substances identified by EPA ashazardous air pollutants (Section 112 of the Clean Air Act) shallbe identified as toxic air contaminants by ARB.

As required by Health and Safety Code Section 39661, a report wasprepared jointly by DHS and ARB staff reviewing the healtheffects and anticipated exposure levels of asbestos. The reportwas submitted to the Scientific Review Panel recommended that theAir Resources Board list asbestos by regulation as a toxic aircontaminant, but was unable to recommend an exposure level belowwhich carcinogenic effects would not occur.

SUMMARY AND IMPACTS OF PROPOSED BOARD ACTION

The identification of asbestos as a toxic air contaminant willnot in itself have any environmental or economic impacts. However, specific control measures may be developed subsequent toidentification. Analysis of potential environmental and economicimpacts will be included in the consideration of such controlmeasures.